Two weeks had passed since the little incident with Jaemin about peaches. You had a week of sleepless nights, feeling restless about the memory. You knew you shouldn't make a big deal out of it because it meant nothing to him, but you couldn't help it. The glint in his eyes had been bothering you.

You couldn't get him out of your mind.

On the other side of the city, Jaemin was sitting on the kitchen with all the lights off, sipping a mug of black coffee while staring at the moon, illuminating from the glass walls of his apartment. He drew the curtains open to let the stream of moonlight in, perhaps to distract himself of you.

But no matter how much he tried to get you out of his mind, your flustered face was the first thing he would see when he closed his eyes.

Both of you were troubled, thoughts tangled in a wiry mess, hearts beating uncontrollably. The foreign feeling engulfing you both like spreading flames, unable to dowse the fire and escape.

Little did you know that that was just the beginning of something more.

You went to school, finally feeling refreshed. Pimples appeared on your skin due to stress and the bags under your eyes were two shades darker than usual. It was thank to Giselle's collection of skin care products that cleared your skin and the scented candle she bought that gave you a peaceful night's sleep.

You were skipping down the hallway when you saw a familiar tall figure wearing a blue jacket and dark jeans, his bag lazily hanging on his shoulders.

Unlike you, he was still having trouble sleeping minus the pimples and eyebags. When he looked up and caught sight of you, his face instantly lit up, mirroring yours.

His fifth cup of coffee didn't do him wonders but the sight of you changed his whole mood. He walked towards you, eyes not leaving each other.

There they were again, the butterflies, the wild beating of your heart, mind going blank, your eyes only focused on the gorgeous creature walking towards you. When he finally reached to your spot, your mind was in a haze.

"Good morning!" he greeted you with a huge smile in his handsome face. He looked so sweet when he smiles, almost like the sweet boy from your memory. But this one was different. It wasn't just an innocent smile.

It was a smile laced with something... rare, something strange, something he couldn't point out but it felt right.

"Good morning," you replied, a little breathless, a smile spreading across your lips.

The little moment was ruin when Haechan appeared like a wild animal ravaging the city, screaming at the top his lungs.

"GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!"

He greeted everyone like a politician campaigning for election and you and Jaemin stood there watching him, wondering why he was built different than the others. You had never seen someone so full of energy, like the sun shining brightly during daytime.

"Hello, my friends. Your good-looking, most realible and smartest friend is here. I know you're happy to see me, I can see it on your faces," Haechan said when he reached to where you were standing, his arms dropping on your shoulder casually.

You two had gotten so close together for the past few weeks, and somebody didn't like how close you were, literally.

Jaemin's eyes glared at the arm around your shoulder and he felt his blood boil, his protective side kicking in. He grabbed Haechan's arm and twisted it, just enough for him to feel the pain without breaking it.

"Ouch! Let go!" Haechan yelled and Jaemin let go of his arm. "Is that how you greet someone good morning?"

"Why? Do you want a good morning kiss instead?" Jaemin asked. "Come here then!" Jaemin cupped Haechan's face between his hands and puckered his lips, leaning his face closer to kiss Haechan's cheeks. Haechan was squealing and squirming, desperate to get away from Jaemin. You were standing there, laughing at their foolish antics.

That afternoon, you were stuck in the library, looking for books you would need for your Art History subject. It was a tiring task and reading wasn't exactly what you're planning to do this weekend. However, you were left with no choice that's why you're sulking in one corner, forcing yourself to move.

Perhaps, Jaemin wasn't wrong when he told you you're sulky.

You were startled when you heard a loud thud followed by a grunt. Curiosity kicked in and you left your spot, going to the next shelf where you heard the loud noise. You were surprised to see Doyoung almost sprawled on the dusty library floor carrying three heavy brown boxes. He was struggling to carry the boxes and you could see it in his face. When he looked up, he dropped it again.

"Oh, (Name), it's you! What are you doing here?" Doyoung asked as he put his hands on his hips, trying to play it cool. He was internally cringing, obviously embarrassed.

"Hi," you greeted him. "What's that for?" you asked, pointing at the boxes.

"These are the books that's not being used anymore so the librarian decided to give it to me."

"Do you need help with those?"

Doyoung waved his hand violently. "No! No, I'm good, really! I can pick these up. My dorm is just near here."

"Then let me help you," you said.

Before he could react, you picked up two boxes of books with ease. He was surprised by your strength and ashamed of himself for almost dying while trying to pick all of the boxes at the same time.

"Give me the other one, I'll carry two," he said. To spare his ego, you put the boxes down and put the other one on the top of the box he was carrying. His knees wobbled a bit but he managed to straighten himself. The two of you left the library when all things were settled.

"Thank you so much, (Name). I would've died without you," Doyoung said.

You bit your lower lip to prevent yourself from smiling. It was obvious that you had a crush on Doyoung because he was responsible, smart, and well, good-looking. However, you didn't feel the chaos you feel when you're with him, unlike when you're with Jaemin.

Speaking of which, Jaemin spotted you from the other side of the hallway, walking with Doyoung.

What the hell is she doing with that rabbit again? Jaemin asked himself.

His feet automatically moved and followed you. Jeno, who was busy eating his jelly, was flustered when his best friend walked so fast as if he was being chased by horses. He didn't have a choice but to follow him, especially when he realized where he was going.

While you were busy chatting with Doyoung, you didn't notice that Jaemin was already standing in front of you until you bumped into him.

When you looked up, you met Jaemin's serious gaze, the kind that stares deep into your soul. Your heart automatically beat erratically as if it knew who's in front of you.

"Jaemin!"

"Na Jaemin, do you need anything?" Doyoung asked. Right now, he wasn't thankful for the interruption because the boxes were too heavy.

"Where are you going?" Jaemin asked.

"To his dorm," you answered casually but it was too late to realize what you just said.

Jaemin's eyes widened and he shot Doyoung a dangerous glare. Doyoung instantly panicked when he saw Jaemin's hands balled into fists, ready to throw a punch.

"That's not what I mean!" you mediated. "I just helped him with these boxes."

"That's right! Don't think of anything weird."

Jaemin walked towards you and grabbed the box you were holding. "If you need help, I'll do it."

An uncomfortable silence loomed over the three of you and it was only broken when Jeno arrived. His eyes moved to you who was frantically looking at Jaemin and Doyoung, to Jaemin who was glaring daggers to Doyoung, and to Doyoung who was obviously uncomfortable. Jeno snatched the boxes from Jaemin and smiled at Doyoung.

"I'll help Doyoung-sunbae with these. Jaemin, you have to help (Name) for your lab report, remember?" Jeno said and turned to Doyoung. There was no lab report to make but it was the only alibi Jeno could think of. "Where are we putting these, sunbae?"

"To my dorm, uh, let's go so I can treat you a nice meal," Doyoung said and he tried to take a step forward but almost fell face first. Good thing Jeno was strong, he pulled Doyoung back to his feet and snatched the other two heavy boxes on one hand, giving the other box to Doyoung.

As they walked away, you felt Jaemin's probing eyes scrutinizing you. You looked up at him and met his gaze.

"What? Don't you trust me? I'm telling the truth!"

Jaemin didn't speak. Instead, he gently wrapped his hand around your wrist and dragged you out of the campus. The bubbling anger dissipated like magic when he touched you, his temper mellowed and the storm brewing inside finally calmed down. He was surprised that you had that effect on him, and you were oblivious that you could affect him so much.

"Why did you bring us here?" you asked him when his car stopped in front of Starbuxkcs, the place where you first met each other after nine years.

"I need my daily dose of drug," he replied. You rolled your eyes at him as you both stepped out of the car and walked towards the cozy shop. He opened the door for you and let you walk inside first. The familiar smell of brewing coffee and freshly-baked bread filled your nostrils and your stomach growled.

"Let's sit over there!" you said and dragged him to a corner where a cozy cushioned leather seat was vacant. The little skin contact made Jaemin's heart thumped, however, it didn't last long because you let him go.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked.

"A pumpkin pie and caramel latte," you replied. You brought out a cash to pay for your order but Jaemin already disappeared.

Jaemin felt strange because he didn't feel like drinking a cup of iced Americano today so instead, he ordered a pumpkin pie for himself as well. When he got back to your table, you were surprised that the black drink of death was missing.

"Where's your coffee?" you asked.

"I'm not in the mood to drink coffee today."

"But I thought we're here to get your daily dose of drug?"

"Just eat," he said as he shoved a spoonful of pumpkin pie inside your mouth to shut you up. You glared at him before snatching the spoon.

"Here's my payment for my order," you said and slid the money towards him. He looked down at it as if it was a foreign subject introduced to him.

"What's this for?"

"I said the payment for my order."

"I don't need it."

"I know you don't need it but I still want to pay for it. Please?" you pleaded and gave him pleading eyes. You didn't know if you looked cute or an idiot trying to be cute but you gave it a shot.

Right then, Jaemin's heart did a somersault. His breath hitched and his fists balled, trying to calm himself down. His insides were in shambles, tangled, and in chaos. However, it was a beautiful mess, the kind he never wanted to go away. And even though he knew it was growing, he refused to let you know so he did the other thing he was best at. Insuting.

"You looked like an idiot," he said but he didn't look at your eyes. He snatched the money from the table and put it in his wallet. He didn't have any hard cash or coins in his wallet, just cards. So instead of treating your payment as money, he's going to treat it like a souvenir.

You talked about unimportant stuff to fill in the time. Suddenly, he asked you an unexpected question.

"Do you like Doyoung?"

Your eyes widened and you choke on your drink, caught off guard by his question. Your reaction was enough to confirm his hunch. He took a deep breath before shaking his head disappointedly.

"I see you have bad tastes in men."

"I didn't even answer your question!" you tried to defend yourself even though it was useless. Jaemin looked at you pointedly. He leaned closer, his eyes not leaving yours. Your heart thumped inside your chest but then he flicked your forehead. "Ouch! What was that for?!" you asked angrily while holding your forehead.

"For liking someone as plain and simple as Doyoung," he answered and crossed his arms. He dared insult your type when he's a weirdo himself.

"Excuse me, Doyoung is far from plain and simple! Not that it matters if he is. He's kind, intelligent, considerate, and generous. I couldn't find one flaw in him, and even if he has which of course was already given, my admiration for him will not falter."

Jaemin clenched his jaw. "He only sees you as his junior. I hope you're aware."

You felt your heart broke and your face fell, mood dampened. You lowered your head to avoid Jaemin's eyes. He didn't want to hurt you but he just wanted you to be aware of what you're getting yourself into, which you already were. You knew exactly that Doyoung only sees you as his junior. There's no doubt that he preferred Jeno over you yet you stick to him like a gum.

Suddenly, Jaemin regret what he did after seeing you get sad. He was afraid that you would cry, but you were not the whiny little girl anymore. Instead, you heaved a sigh and met his eyes once again, obviously sad but no signs of tears.

"I already know that. But I'm not asking anything in return though, I just wanted to admire him, that's all. I'm just happy that I met my ideal type even though it's impossible for me to have him," you said. Jaemin didn't like it when you said that Doyoung was your ideal type but he didn't interrupt. "Besides, I'm not really suitable for him. There are so many beautiful, mature, and nice girls out there, girls who would surely be a perfect match for him."

"You're beautiful, too," Jaemin said without thinking. You stopped what you were doing and met his eyes. All you could see was sincerity, and that scared you. "Though your maturity us quite questionable, but you're nice. I wouldn't be willing to be your friend if you're not. Just because he isn't the perfect match for you doesn't make you any less beautiful. Any less perfect. You're already perfect on your own."

It was a confession Jaemin didn't know he would make. But at that moment, that was the only thing he could say. Not to console you, but to let you know the truth about how he sees you.

You bit your lower lip to fight the smile that's making way to your lips. You looked down and played with the straw instead. "Thanks."

"You're still an idiot."

You didn't see Jaemin's cheeks flush pink. His warm blush and embarrassed expression were adorable. When you looked up, he pretended to look outside the glass wall, looking at the people and the traffic.

"You too, you're perfect on your own," you said. Jaemin's eyes snapped to you and you smiled at him. "Even though you're usually quiet, your moods are unpredictable, easily misunderstood by people, deep inside, you're a very kind and sweet person. You can deny it all you want but I've seen how you treat the people close to you. How you took care of me. I really like that side of you, the one that doesn't care about what other people will say, because not every opinion matters."

He was taken aback. And he didn't like it. He didn't like not knowing what to do. He felt trapped. A suffocating feeling. But if this is how he's going to die then he would have no regrets. You spoke to his soul, to the deepest depths of his self that even he, was too afraid to explore.

You gave him a sweet smile and he mirrored it.

"I know I'm perfect," he said, trying to act nonchalant.

You rolled your eyes at him. "If you say so." You couldn't disagree because he was telling the truth.

"You're not allowed to have a boyfriend until you're forty so there's really nothing much to talk about," he reminded you but it was a wrong move.

"How did you know that?" you asked.

He looked at you, trying to find an excuse, silently cursing for letting himself slip like that. "Uh... at the freshman welcome party, remember? You said your father was strict," he said.

"Oh right, I remember. You have a pretty sharp memory for a goldfish," you said. He breathed a sigh of relief only to be caught off guard once again. "What about you? Why don't you have a girlfriend?"

He didn't answer right away.

"It's okay if you don't want to answer. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"No it's okay," he said. "To be honest, I have never really asked myself that question. For years, I am already contented on my own and Jeno's company. I never really thought of being in a relationship, of being in love. Love is a waste of time, a kind of drug that once you get addicted, it will ruin your life. Love is bullshit, that's why I don't believe in it."

You didn't know what to say because he looked so serious. Everyone of us had a different perception of love based on what we experienced.

"Perhaps you haven't found someone who's worth the risk."

He looked up and met your eyes. "You believe in love? Why am I not surprised."

"I do believe in love. I am actually hopeless romantic but that's not hard to tell. And my parents are the proof that love is real, once you found the right person. That's why I'm not in a rush. I will wait for that right person to come."

Jaemin watched as your eyes twinkle while talking about love. He was never a fan, and would never be. But at that time, seeing how your eyes sparkle while thinking about the right person for you, it made him hope... just a little.

"There's someone out there who's meant for you. Someone who will look past your exterior and find out who you really are. Someone who will accept and tame your monsters and calm your storms. That person will come, I'm sure of it," you said.

To him, love was a ridiculous thing. And unexpectedly, his views would change drastically.

"I hope so," he replied.